Yellowtail Surgeonfish
Prionurus punctatus
Also known as: Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellowtail Sawtail
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
- Yellowtail Sawtail
Overview
Found in schools, over shallow, rocky reefs, rich in algae growth.
Surgeonfish have a blade like spine in the tail that points outwards when bent, unicorns have two hook-like plates along the tail, these are used for defence and are as sharp as a surgeons scalpel, hence the name "Surgeonfish".
Some species are venomous.
How to identify
- Pattern
- black barsblack spot
- Fins & Tail
- yellow tail
- Behaviour
- schooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Eastern Central Pacific
- Country only · 1
Found in schools, over shallow, rocky reefs, rich in algae growth.
Adult photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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